Americans Try Israeli Food for the First Time

How familiar are you with some Israeli food? You’re probably familiar with Hummus and falafel, but what about other Israeli delicacies?

First, there is pita bread with za’atar. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, sometimes with marjoram. It can also have salt, dried orange zest, and dill. It can be used in many different ways, but one popular way is on pita bread. It’s pretty simple. Olive oil is brushed on top of pita bread,and then the za’atar is sprinkled on top. Then it can be either toasted or baked.

Bourekas are a stuffed baked pastry made from phylo dough and also very popular in Israel. They are a popular street food, often found in shuks (street markets) and in the Mahane Yehudah market (the main shopping market in Jerusalem). They can be stuffed with cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, or really anything you can think of.

Then there is Sabich. Like falafel, sabich is a stuffed sandwich in pita bread. It is usually stuffed with eggplant, eggs, chopped salad, a unique sauce called amba, as well as a tahini sauce. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll have a hard time choosing between getting a sabich or a falafel for your lunch in Israel.

And finally, you can try shakshouka. This is a dish made from eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion, and garlic.

There you have it. Watch this video to see some typical American reactions to these Israeli favorites.

Related Articles

More From Traditions

Mezuzah on the Doorpost

Mezuzah on the Doorpost

If you visit a Jewish home one thing that you may see is a mezuzah. A mezuzah is a small…
Mezuzah on the Doorpost

Kaddish

There are several Jewish traditions surrounding the death loved ones. We say the mourner’s…
Kaddish

Tsitsit

The custom of putting Tsitsit, fringes or tassels, on the corners of garments originates in the…
Tsitsit
Shofar

Shofar

The shofar, made from a ram's horn, has been used by our people for thousands of years. The…
Shofar
Plate of lox, as featured in Allan Sherman's song

There is Nothing Like a Lox

Do you like Jewish food? What is your favorite? Bagels and cream cheese? Blintzes?
There is Nothing Like a Lox
A Stone to Remember

A Stone to Remember

Many cultures have different ways of dealing with death. One Jewish custom is to place a stone…
A Stone to Remember

The Jewish Calendar

LUNAR-SOLAR CALENDAR The Jewish calendar is based mainly on the phases of the moon; but it also…
The Jewish Calendar
The Name

The Name

Throughout the ages the Jewish people have been extremely careful to honor the name of God.…
The Name
Mekhitza

Mekhitza-Jewish Tradition

A mekhitza is a dividing wall or barrier that is used to separate men and women. It could be…
Mekhitza-Jewish Tradition

Alms (Tzedakah) Box

The Hebrew word "tzedakah" derives from the biblical word "tzedek" meaning righteousness or…
Alms (Tzedakah) Box

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation